Ottawa Senators assign Nikita Filatov to Binghamton (AHL)

by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 4:33 PM EDT in Ottawa Senators breaking news

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 8: Nikita Filatov #21 of the Ottawa Senators shoots during warmup before NHL action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre October 8, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

In a surprise move today, the Ottawa Senators assigned winger Nikita Filatov to Binghamton of the AHL. Filatov had started the season with one assist in two games before being a healthy scratch and now being demoted to the AHL.

The move offers a bit of relief for the logjam at forward, reducing the team's roster to 22 healthy bodies (although there are still two healthy scratches at forward for tonight's game against the Colorado Avalanche). Still, it's a surprise given Filatov's impressive pre-season and the appearance of a strong work ethic in games. It remains to be seen whether or not he will report to Binghamton, but I assume he would.

In trying to rationalize the decision, my only thinking is that it's a short-term move intended to get Filatov playing games, and to save a little bit of money in the process (Filatov's NHL salary is more than ten times his AHL salary). It could also be an attempt to show Filatov he's still got work to do, and to give the winless Binghamton Senators a bit more firepower up front.

Personally, I have my doubts about the length of the demotion. I would suspect that, unless something changes dramatically in his play, Mika Zibanejad will be returned to Sweden to develop for another year, which would open up a top-six roster spot on the NHL squad. Even if Zibanejad sticks in Ottawa, I assume Filatov would be at or near the top of the recall list in the event injuries take players out of the lineup.

Poll

What do you think of Nikita Filatov's demotion?

Great idea - he's not ready for the NHL

12 votes

Good idea - he needs to play and develop

96 votes

Bad idea - he should be in Ottawa

153 votes

Terrible idea

63 votes

I don't care

14 votes

338 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 77 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

This is marriage is fucking horse shit!

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

Don't know what to vote for

I guess if they know they are sending Zibanejad back soon, then it makes sense to let him play until then. But sheeeesh. Thought we spent a couple months making fun of Columbus for dealing with Nikita poorly…

by DaveYoung on Oct 13, 2011 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

I felt the same way

I voted for good, because I’d rather have him play than sit, and I really like Kurt Kleinendorst.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

In Mgmt I trust

otherwise i hate this decision. Does that make sense?

It’s hard to erase the context of his experience in Columbus and it’s hard to imagine he won’t see things the same way.

by west-sider on Oct 13, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Pretty much

I’m right there with you

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Personnel decisions are about more than demotions, though...

I’d hope that the Ottawa Senators treated Filatov with professionalism and respect when they told him the reasons for the demotion, and I’d hope that he takes them to heart and works on whatever issues there are.

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny enough, I'm not worried about that

I’m sure that both Paulrus and Murray have told him what’s going on.

He’s seemed willing to work, so if that’s true, Bingo is only going to be good for him.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Me either

I’m stuck at Woah. Can’t figure out what comes after that.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Glad to see you also think Zibanejad should/will be returned to Sweden. I think he should be and that he will, but Ryan keeps saying that Murray will keep him around (even if he should go).

Co-manager, Silver Seven

by DarrenM on Oct 13, 2011 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'd be surprised

I think that sending Zibanejad back to Sweden would make sense for many of the same reasons Mark used to explain why trading Spezza would make sense.

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I do wonder if Murray will keep him here regardless of whether he belongs here yet (I still don’t think he does), but I’m way off base on that one.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope someone asks about this tonight in a post-game interview

by B_T on Oct 13, 2011 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

While I agree playing in binghamton is better than sitting in the press box, I still don’t know why he was made to sit in the first place. And Zibanejad should be sent back to sweden.

by Moorsy on Oct 13, 2011 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

true

I really thought he played well enough to stick in the lineup through the first two games

by DaveYoung on Oct 13, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

So did I

And if the argument about the Columbus dicking around with his development holds water this has me scratching my head even more.

by SuckItTrebek on Oct 13, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree, but I also don't have a problem with Zibadnejad getting nine games of experience before heading back there

Not like that will hurt his development, right?

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

But will it hurt Filatov's development?

To be scratched when it didn’t look like he deserved it, and sent to the AHL because “we want to try out this 18 year old who hasn’t looked at all impressive in real NHL games”

by TsnFan on Oct 13, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

That's the question

I hope not. Though I don’t feel there was a major difference between his play and Mikachu’s.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

How could he not?

What happens in any place of work when someone with no experience is brought in and immediately made your superior at a higher rate of pay?

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

True, but

if what’s going on is explained to you properly, a ‘team player’ would want what is best for the team. This organization has been preeching comunication for a while now, so let’s assume everything will be ok…..?

Go luck yourself.

by ottawachiefsfan on Oct 13, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

He's not being made his superior

For all we know, Murray sat Filatov down and said “Look, we’re giving Zibanejad his 9 games here to make sure he’s hungry to make the team next year, so we just don’t have room for you in the roster right now. But rather than sit you in the press box, we want to send you to Binghamton so when you come back into the roster in a couple of weeks, you’ll be ready to go and won’t be rusty. I know it’s a tough break being sent down, but this is just temporary and we’re doing what’s best for the team.”

We really don’t know what he was told. He won’t be happy, but I don’t think it’ll necessarily cause hard feelings or end up the way it did in Columbus.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

A tiny bit harsh re: Zibanejad

I would say he hasn’t looked super impressive (or at least not totally NHL-ready) but he’s had at least a few impressive moments. Not at all impressive isn’t fair to the kid.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

You need another voting option

Something along the lines of ‘Sigh…he better be back up by game #10’

It could be a great move if the team is trying out Zibanejad. I’m sure Filatov would understand as long as his top 6 position is secure. He’d probably rather practive with a scoring line than play in the NHL with the goons.
What worries me is how he was cut from the top 6 in the 2nd game midway through.

by BD Rebuilders on Oct 13, 2011 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

I should have included that

But I can’t change the poll now. Blast!

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I am ready for Bryan Murray to step down

This is some of the worst asset management I’ve ever seen. The fact that Murray and MacLean are such limp dick pansies that they have to bring in a 7th defenceman because they are too afraid to sit Gonchar instead of Filatov drawing back in is a bad sign for this organization. If this is actually a rebuild, let’s treat it like one. Yeah, Zmith, Condra, Foligno, and even Neil, are nice players, but wake up. None of them offers anything close to the potential of Filatov. And that’s completely ignoring the marked improvement in Filatov’s defensive effort through his first two games. I thought the sitting of Brian Lee was a bad move, but apparently we hadn’t seen anything yet.

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

not sure this is likely to happen

considering he just signed a 3 year extension.

by DaveYoung on Oct 13, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Obviously won't happen

I know, it seems like Paul MacLean doesn’t understand that he doesn’t coach in Detroit any more. Yeah, it would be all well and good for us to ‘stash our prospects in the AHL forever, because we have annual success, but that’s not the reality in Ottawa. We don’t have a former 40 goal scorer on our third line and guys scoring 20 goals from the 3rd and 4th who could play second line minutes on many other teams.

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Calling out the coach already huh? 3 games in…. new record?

by John_9664 on Oct 13, 2011 5:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, it's more than a little excessive

by B_T on Oct 13, 2011 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know that those are the players you sit for Filatov

Z. Smith, for instance, plays a much different role. Unless you’re going to give those minutes to Filatov (and I wouldn’t), I don’t think that’s the right player to bench.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Not the ideal player

The point more is that even though Zmith offers alot to the organization as the heir apparent to Chris Kelly, Filatov is more valuable and it is more pragmatic to sit Zmith for Filatov.

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't agree

I don’t think it’s pragmatic to weaken one part of your lineup to strengthen another.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Weaken a part of the line up which already has a solution for a team that isn’t going anywhere anyways? What proven top 6 forward do we have who is under 29? I would say none. What proven bottom six forwards do we have who are under 29? Foligno, Michalek, Winchester, Regin, Smith (saying Michalek is not a top 6 forward may be contentious, but whatever). Scoring goals is always going to be harder than grinding.

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, Michalek has scored two goals to Filatov's zero

And also plays the PK, which Filatov does not.

Look, I get what you’re saying, but since Ottawa is clearly not going to move Zibanejad before they’re forced to, removing a bottom-six player doesn’t create anything except an opening in the bottom six, and that’s where you’d wind up putting Filatov if you had an opening right now.

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Judging from the way MacLean has juggled the lines, who knows where the roster spot would be. How many different linemates has Spezza already played with so far this season? I understand the reasoning being put forward, but the complete lack of consistency in the message from management is really disheartening.

by ojc on Oct 13, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Inconsistent times

Call for inconsistent measures?

by SuckItTrebek on Oct 13, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with Mark

Z. Smith, Foligno, and Neil add more to the line up at this given time than Filatov does. I can’t say the same about Condra.

Co-manager, Silver Seven

by DarrenM on Oct 13, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I voted terrible idea

Don’t like this one bit.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Me too.

This is pretty much a clear contravention of what was promised — a genuine top 6 shot for Filatov.

Has he been that awful in practice? I find it hard to believe.

Zibanejad, Da Costa, and Greening are all getting better top 6 shots than Filatov, who was promised a different scene and a real opportunity in coming to Ottawa.

I will have a hard time blaming him if he takes this a bit badly.

by sensory_experience on Oct 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed. He has every right to feel shafted. He didn’t play played bad, his line was dangerous, he did get the 1 assist in two games. He was backchecking.

The only thing against him is his contract and I guess Melnyk didn’t feel like paying 3 NHL salaries to watch…which again brings me to, why sign Konopka?

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by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

If I were Melnyk, that's the question I'd be asking Murray

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

No kidding.

Also wouldn’t hurt to ask about all the one-way contracts being given out like candy to still-unproven forwards (Butler, Greening, Condra).

by sensory_experience on Oct 13, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

yup

by west-sider on Oct 13, 2011 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Greening seems to be proving worth it, at least

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Greening has been good

But his sample size is about the same as Filatov’s. Which speaks again to the question of why Filatov got such a short audition.

Even if this is really just about the 2-way contract, imagine the conversation:

Murray/Paulrus: “Don’t worry, Nikita. This is just about bodies. Don’t tell Ziba, but he’ll be back in Sweden soon. Then we’ll bring you back up soon. Promise.”
Filatov: “Just like you promised me a genuine top 6 shot?”
Murray/Paulrus: “…”

by sensory_experience on Oct 13, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Ha!

But what constitutes a promise? Let’s say Mika goes back to Sweden and Filatov plays the remaining 69 games on Spezza’s wing. Did they still break their word?

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough.

The point is that it will be hard for Filatov to believe that will be the case now, even if it eventually turns out to be true.

And it will be hard to blame him for that.

by sensory_experience on Oct 13, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't see how it's hard for Filatov to believe that.

Seriously let’s stop making big assumptions until we hear a statement from someone in the organization. Maybe BMur told him that Mark’s scenario is going to happen. In that case, Filatov has assurances and in the meantime hopefully shows some leadership in Bingo and he keeps skating instead of warming a seat in the presser.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Kind of amateurish

I mean Butler scored some beauties and the other two had their moments, but I tend to agree with you that at least one of Greening or Condra should have gotten a two-way deal.

by Sensai on Oct 14, 2011 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you're being too hasty

We don’t know why it was done or what he was told. He was playing well enough, but there are a lot of reasons why this could have been done and without knowing management’s motivation, I don’t see the point in assuming he got shafted.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope they at least gave him the choice

Of sitting in the press box or going down to Binghamton.

by SuckItTrebek on Oct 13, 2011 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

We know that Robin Lehner would choose if given the choice!

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

*what

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

if this was the case and he chose Binghampton

Then the love for Filatov will blossom around here.

by west-sider on Oct 13, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

If we're suggesting other voting options how about:

DUMBEST DECISION EVER
He’s not going to learn anything in Binghamton, he is too skilled and the best place for him is next to Spezza. Wow I am so mad right now.

He better be brought back up when Zbad is sent to sweden

by Misellati on Oct 13, 2011 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

Or earlier

Depending on how many double hat-tricks he gets per game.

by SuckItTrebek on Oct 13, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

A Filtrick!

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by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

You just want to compare him to Ovie instead of Kovalev

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by Mark Parisi on Oct 13, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Guilty as charged!

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 13, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Nooooo!

Keep him here!
I am disappoint.

by DrZee on Oct 13, 2011 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

Something else behind the scene?

I am sure management knows what it’s doing. There must be something else happening we are not privy to. I would have wanted him to stay in Ottawa and to watch his speed game would have been fun. Disappointed but have faith in MacLean and Murray.

Not comfortable when news came out he was promised top 6 minutes. That’s just inviting trouble and trouble is here now.

by whatsinaname on Oct 13, 2011 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

After reading all the comments, people need to simmer the hell down.

I’m withholding judgment until I hear a statement from Paulrus or BMur or someone. Management is big on communication, so it’s a pretty safe bet that they explained to him why it was being done and they’ll tell the media something today or tomorrow. Until then, let’s stop making assumptions.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 13, 2011 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

But, but...

… we were just whipping ourselves up into a good frenzy.

I hope I kept that receipt for all the pitchforks.

by sensory_experience on Oct 13, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't withhold judgement, how dare you

I’m finding this a real head-scratcher. We’ll see.

by Sensai on Oct 14, 2011 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions

IRRATIONAL PANIC MODE: ACTIVATE!

TRADE FILATOV! TRADE SPEZZA! TRADE ALFIE! TRADE KARLSSON! TRADE FISHER!

….

Wait we already did that? DO IT AGAIN!!

by The Tif on Oct 14, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

You take that back right now.

You know what I’m talking about.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 14, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

TRADE ALL THE THINGS!

by The Tif on Oct 14, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

YOU TAKE THAT BACK RIGHT NOW

Not all of them.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 14, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It seems to me everyone is pretty confused over this move.

All I can think is that:

MacLean sees something that he doesn’t like or that needs improvement before he is ready for 1st line minutes.
They are just sending him down for playing time till they can move some bodies around.

One of the things that I noticed, and wasn’t a big fan of was Filatov playing on Spezza’s wing. I find that they both seem to prefer to be playmakers first, and shooters second. I wonder what kind of line Filatov-Da Costa/Regin-Michalek would look like? Regin & Da Costa are pretty good shooters, with Michalek driving the net & Filatov providing the pretty passes.

Guess it doesn’t much matter for now. Regardless, I am quite sure that the team was very open with him. They would have told him exactly the reason they were sending him down, what he needs to work on (if anything) & an approximate amount of time that he will be there before he should expect a recall.

I don’t have that much of a problem with all of the 1-way contracts that the team has. I think it makes guys realize that they have to perform to earn a spot on this team. If they don’t, they will be moved. If they can’t perform with that type of pressure, do we really want them here anyway?

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 14, 2011 9:00 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think anyone's confused

I think they’re jumping to conclusions.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

by AlfieGirl on Oct 14, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Lack of information

very often leads to speculations and sometimes, wild conclusions. Filatov probably heard from Greening about a restaurant in Bingo that serves amazing Russian cuisine and missing his mother’s food, asked to be sent down till Mika Z goes back to SEL.

by whatsinaname on Oct 14, 2011 12:43 PM EDT reply actions